Incorporation of Cobalt Nanoparticles with Electron-Deficient into B, N Co-Doped Carbon Nanoflowers To Realizing Efficient Catalytic Conversion for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

The abominable polysulfide shuttling and sluggish redox kinetics of sulfur conversions impede the development and successful commercialization of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. Here, an electron-deficient cobalt nanoparticle embedded in a B, N codoped carbon nanoflower framework (Co-BNC) was successfully constructed as an advanced nanoreactor for sulfur redox reaction. Co-BNC nanoflowers with a structure similar to interlaced graphene sheets could form a stable porous network that facilitates rapid electron/ion transfer and efficient exposure of active sites. The incorporation of B, N codoped heteroatoms provides numerous polar sites, which enhances the chemical affinity for lithium polysulfide (LiPSs). Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the inclusion of electron-deficient Co nanoparticles further catalyzes sulfur redox conversion. Consequently, the Co-BNC/S cathode displays an excellent rate performance and cycling stability for 800 cycles at 0.5 C (capacity attenuation rate of 0.065% per cycle). This work offers an effective paradigm for pursuing advanced sulfur electrocatalysts in Li–S batteries.